Emerging Hazards

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are increasingly use in electrical energy storage despite their thermal and chemical hazards. These hazards are magnified when multiple cells are combined together in a module due to the risk of cascading failure. FPE researchers study the energetics and dynamics of these failure processes and their relation to the chemical composition and structure of Li-ion cells. The knowledge gained in these studies is used to design fire-safe battery modules and develop effective fire suppression strategies for Li-ion-cell-containing systems. FPE researchers collaborate with other research groups - on and off campus - to develop safe battery chemistry.